The first International Women’s Economic Empowerment Conference, 2022

KU–WEE Hub Conference Concept

The Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment Hub (KU-WEE Hub) was established through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (B&MGF) to generate evidence on what works to advance Women’s Economic Empowerment in Kenya. For more information about the Hub, visit our website here.

The KU-WEE Hub in collaboration with implementing partners plans to host an International Conference from 6^th – 8^th July 2022 at the International Languages and Culture Centre (ICLC) at Kenyatta University. The broad theme of the conference is ‘’Women Economic Empowerment in the 21^st Century: What Works?”. The purpose of the Conference is to disseminate current findings of the above-mentioned Project as well as to expand networks, increase visibility and outreach. In that regard, the conference seeks to bring together researchers, scholars, networking groups and partners, stakeholders including policy makers and implementers to share knowledge and experiences pertaining to the broad theme of the conference.

The objectives of the conference are:

• To share experiences and learn lessons on women’s economic empowerment – what works?
• To network and collaborate through partnerships that will enhance the development of policy for increased women’s economic empowerment across Sub-Saharan Africa;
• To identify knowledge gaps that could be explored during future research, training and programming.

The conference will adopt a hybrid model that will be conducted through a virtual and face-to-face platform to ensure wide participation. The conference will have a three-day program of events, which will include several modes of presentations: plenary sessions with keynote speakers, thematic parallel sessions, panel discussions and poster displays. Exhibitions will be hosted on request.

The deliberations of the conference will revolve around the following broad thematic areas:

BROAD THEMATIC AREAS

1. Measuring Women’s Economic Empowerment
2. Education, mentoring, skilling and innovation for Women’s Economic Empowerment.
3. Enhancing Women’s role in governance and decision making through transformative leadership and inclusivity
4. Violence, crisis and women’s work.
5. Creating an enabling environment for Women’s Economic Empowerment in the formal and informal sectors.

The official language of the conference is English.

Participants are invited to submit abstracts on any of the above subthemes. Abstracts should be up to a maximum of 250 words excluding the title, names of author(s), institutional affiliation, contact information (email and telephone), and up to 5 key words. The submission should be made online at the following email: kuweehubconference2022@ku.ac.ke.

The Scientific Committee will review the abstracts and notify participants of acceptance.

Important Timelines

Papers presented at the conference will be selected and published is a special refereed journal to be identified by the Hub.

Conference Registration

Conference registration will be pegged on payment of Conference fee. The applicable fees will be as follows;

*Virtual registration fee is SAME as EARLY registration

*Student refers to those enrolled in an M.A programme. Proof of current student status at the university will be required.

*Participants should meet all bank charges associated with international funds transfer.

>>>>>Click Here to register for the conference

Mode of Payment:

Account Name: Kenyatta University
Bank: Equity Bank
Branch: Kenyatta University
Account Number: 1130296769655
Swift Code: EQBLKENAXXX

Proof of payment should be emailed to : kuweehubconference2022@ku.ac.ke.

Important note:

Transport, accommodation, health insurance and personal expenses are not catered for and should be organized by the participants who are attending the conference physically.

Possible Accommodation venues

1. Kenyatta University Conference Centre
2. Ruiru Rainbow Resort
3. Safari Park
4. St Lukes
5. Sports view
6. La Mada Hotel
7. Utalii Hotel

The Technical Committee organizing the Conference is ready to organize excursions on need basis to be financed by the participants. The possible excursion sites include but not limited to:

1. Animal orphanage
2. Museums of Kenya
3. Giraffe Centre
4. Ndaka-ini dam and Chania falls
5. Rift Valley View Point.

General Information, Security Guidelines and Emergency Contacts

Welcome to Kenya! It is our deepest desire that you have an unforgettable and delightful experience.  This document provides you with information to make your stay memorable and to ensure your comfort and safety.

General Information

 Arrival

On arrival, there will be someone (a staff member or a taxi) waiting for you at the airport holding a placard with your name and Kenyatta University logo.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be at Kenyatta University Conference Centre (KUCC) .  The Conference will be taking place at the University and therefore you will be within the venue of the Conference.

The following are other possible Accommodation venues:

1. Ruiru Rainbow Resort
2. Safari Park hotel
3. St Luke’s Hotel-Roasters
4. La Mada Hotel
5. Utalii Hotel
6. Sunstar hotel

*The organizing committee can organize for pick-ups from the airport at your own cost.

Excursion sites

The Technical Committee organizing the Conference is ready to organize excursions on need basis to be financed by the participants. The possible excursion sites include but not limited to:

1. Karura forest,
2. Uhuru gardens,
3. Nairobi animal orphanage
4. Museums of Kenya
5. Giraffe Centre
6. Ndaka-ini dam and Chania falls
7. Rift Valley View Point.

Currency

The currency used in Kenya is Kenya Shilling. Its exchange rate is roughly 1$ = Kes 117.  You can easily change your moneys at the airport or you can be guided to a currency Exchange Bureau once you are in Kenyatta University. You will be able to make payments using Visa or MasterCard in most hotels and shops.

Weather

Kenya is in its “winter season”, with morning temperatures ranging between 12ºC to 14ºC. The afternoons are generally more pleasant with temperatures around 21ºC to 26ºC evenings are also cold like mornings. Please carry warm clothing.

Internet access at the hotel

Kenyatta University has a reliable wireless internet connection and supplies guests with Internet password.

 Meals

Tea and Coffee will be served during health breaks while lunch will be served during lunch time at the Conference venue.

 Health

Please consult with your doctor before traveling to ensure that you have made necessary preparations such as the required vaccinations per each country.

Covid-19 Information

 Every person arriving in Kenya will be asked to show valid proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 and/or a negative PCR Test taken within 48 hours of their departure to Kenya.

All departing travelers must show a negative PCR test to leave Kenya regardless of the requirements of their destination.

It is advisable for all persons to wear face masks in public, unless prescribed otherwise for medical reasons.

Security Guidelines

These guidelines are designed to help you take sensible precautions to mitigate security risks during your stay.  Please read them carefully. All emergencies, accidents and insecurity incidents must immediately be reported to Ms. Eunice Muiku, 0722 755191.

Acknowledging and Accepting Risk

Every out-of-country assignment entails a measure of risk, from health hazards and accidents to acts of violence, which the delegate must consider carefully.  Accepting these risks is a matter of personal choice. You are advised to take necessary precautions on personal belongings.

Political/security situation

Kenya is in its electoral campaigns season and although general security situation in is relatively calm you might come across political rallies and may be noisy.

Personal identity documents and visa

 It is the responsibility of visitors to secure a Kenya entry visa in advance, also have your invitation letter with you when arriving at the airport.  Please carry a photocopy of your passport and visa with you at all times.

Security outside the hotel

Kenyatta University is a relatively a secure place and the main risks are connected to road travel.

• When travelling outside the Kenyatta University compound, you should inform the Eunice Muiku (0722 755191) of your whereabouts and when you expect to return.
• Your mobile phone should always have sufficient credit for emergency calls.
• Some places surrounding Kenyatta University necessitate that foreigner should be accompanied by Someone from the University.  Please seek advice, and guidance from Eunice Muiku (0722 755191).
• Keep the following list of emergency numbers (see below) with you at all times.
• Please use taxis with a known taxi driver and consult Eunice of the reliable taxis.

Security at the KUCC

• Keep your hotel room locked and do not leave expensive items in your room.
• Read the fire security notes and familiarize yourself with the fire exit doors.
• Keep laptop, cash and other valuable items in the safe.
• Adhere to all Covid-19 protocols

 Emergency Contacts

You are advised to program the following numbers into your mobile phone on arrival in case of emergency.

 >>>>>Click Here to register for the conference